The long-shuttered Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale is finally set to get a facelift with ambitious redevelopment plans laid out by the local government. The expansive project, titled "The Grove at Bloomingdale Commons," is intended to bring new life to the area with a mix of entertainment venues, retail options, apartments, and community spaces, according to NBC Chicago.
Bloomingdale Mayor Franco Coladipietro revealed the preliminary plans during a community meeting, which include demolishing the current structure and replacing it with a new outdoor space complete with elaborate landscaping, water features, and a public park. "The idea is, that this financing is self-contained within that project," Coladipietro told NBC Chicago, indicating that infrastructure costs will be financed through bonds and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) tied to future commercial real estate. The demolition alone is expected to run a bill of $4.7 million.
In an effort to prevent future mismanagement and decline, Coladipietro stated that the village plans to retain ownership of the property until a fitting buyer is found. This strategic move aims to maintain control over the redevelopment's direction, bearing in mind the rocky history that led up to the mall's closure in April 2024. "Our idea is, essentially, we act as the general contractor or the developer of the property," Coladipietro explained in a statement obtained by NBC Chicago.
Providing additional insights into the imminent demolition, Village Administrator Pietro Scalera told the Daily Herald, "Once demolition begins, water cannons will spray the section of a building being removed to help keep dust on site." Neighboring businesses such as Kohl's and Woodman's grocery stores are expected to remain open throughout the redevelopment process with minimal disruption.
The planned transformation at Stratford Square is part of a wider trend across suburban areas where dated shopping malls are being reinvented to meet current consumer and community needs. The project, expected to take five to eight years, reflects Bloomingdale's commitment to revitalizing a once pivotal economic landmark. "There's a tremendous amount of pride ... in the fact that we've been able to do what we've been able to do in a short period of time," Coladipietro said, as reported by Daily Herald, highlighting a collective sense of optimism for the future of the mall's site.
